What is an automatic translator

An automatic translator is a mechanism based on software which can be used to translate any text from one language to another easily and quickly. This process is known as automatic translation or machine translation.

In principle an automatic translator works like a dictionary. However, it also offers something more, since it can translate not only single words, but also whole sentences and word groups. The first ideas for automatic translators date from the 17th century. However, because of the lack of technical capability, the idea became reality only in the age of computers. The first translating machines appeared in 1933, and were used chiefly for military purposes.


Read more about how an automatic translator works.